The real rail rub

My thanks for Matthew Eisley's Dec. 30 column in which he encouraged North Carolina officials to increase funding of Amtrak. Use of this form of transportation is growing quickly as people look for an alternative to high gas prices and crowded highways and airports. However, I suggest that the blame for Amtrak's problems should be placed a little higher.

North Carolina may not spend much on passenger rail compared with highway construction, but we are recognized as one of the best states in the country when it comes to supporting Amtrak. State support of the Carolinian and the Piedmont allows us to have direct trains all the way to New York City. The real source of Amtrak's problems lies in Washington.

Despite many needs for new equipment, upgraded tracks and additional staff, each year the federal government tries to reduce its spending on passenger rail. Those of us who enjoy train travel are hoping to see a change, but neither President-elect Obama nor John McCain mentioned it during the campaign.

I urge the public to continue using Amtrak whenever possible. The trains may run late (usually caused by freight trains that share the rails) and the equipment could be in better shape, but the ride is comfortable and the scenery is great.

Robert Warner

Cary